Croydon Mencap

Application Pack

Chief Executive Officer

May 2016

Introduction from the ChairAppointment of Chief Executive Officer

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the post of Chief Executive Officer for Croydon Mencap. We are an established and well respected charity in the London Borough of Croydon, being a major voluntary service provider of support, advice and services to people with learning disabilities, their families and carers in the borough.

We are looking for a new Chief Executive who shares our commitment and passion to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and to support preschool children with SEN and their families.

This is an interesting and challenging time to take on the leadership of Croydon Mencap. The post of CEO for Croydon Mencap is ideal for someone looking to make their mark on an organisation. The Board is looking to develop new services using space that we have available at our Head Office at Portland House. This post is an exciting opportunity for a leader who has vision and the confidence to explore new ways of funding and developing existing and new services in line with the needs of our clients and to ensure Croydon Mencap is a strong voice for them.

The person appointed will have the support of a strong and enthusiastic Board and a team of dedicated, capable staff as he or she moves us forward.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Sue Wragg

Chair, Board of Trustees

Introducing Croydon MencapCroydon Mencap represents the interests of people with learning disabilities, their families and carers within the London Borough of Croydon. We are a registered charity with our own Board of voluntary Trustees/Directors. The purpose of Croydon Mencap is to provide advice, information and support through a range of projects and services.

GovernanceThe Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reports to the Board which meets approximately every 8 weeks. The CEO works closely with the Board, which has overall responsibility for governance of Croydon Mencap, and provides updates, advice and guidance to the Board to support their input.

The Challenge Croydon Mencap has been successful and is well respected, both by the Council and its users. It has good financial reserves, which the board are keen to use to support the development of new services. In common with other charities Croydon Mencap is being affected by the changes in the way services are purchased or procured and both the Board and the staff team are looking for a confident leader to help shape its future.

Our services

Welfare and Benefits AdviceThis service gives invaluable advice, support and help in applying for benefits and has a high success rate in enabling clients to maximise their income and receive benefits to which they are entitled.

Leslie Park Centre has been running since August 2005 and was set up to support younger aged adults (18-40 years) with learning disabilities to access leisure activities in the community and to enable greater independence. We currently support up to 18 people each day, attending between one and four days per week. Leslie Park provides a number of different activities to suit individual needs. Currently this includes access to local activities, by using our mini-bus or public transport, including dance with a dance tutor, drama at a local theatre, bowling, boccia, cycling, art and craft, games, keep fit, cookery, computer skills, pamper sessions, tennis and music. Leslie Park also supports its members in developing their everyday living skills such as travel training and numeracy and literacy when a need is identified.

Carers Assessment and Support Service (CASS) for Older CarersOffers support, help and advice to carers over 50 who are caring for someone with a learning disability – usually a son or daughter. Practical support is provided such as assisting carers with applying for benefits, advocating for the carer on various issues and liaising with GPs/hospitals over health issues. Emotional support is provided by ‘being there’ for the carer and listening to their concerns. Carers can visit us at our office or, if they prefer, we can go to their home. Respite opportunities are offered on a monthly basis in the form of outings, and these give carers a much needed break. In addition to these day trips, we also hold information sessions on issues of concern for carers, for example on health care issues and Self Directed Support. Carers’ Assessments for carers. As well as our support service, we are also commissioned by Croydon Council to carry out Carers’ Assessments for carers who look after someone with a learning disability.

Carers Welfare OfficerThis is the most recent service to be established and offers support to carers up to the age of 50. It provides 1-1 support and social events to support parents and family carers. The service is aimed at helping carers find the right services and support. Issues can include difficulties at school or college, housing problems, parenting and disability related issues, health and social care provision, adaptations and transport difficulties. Home visits are made by appointment or clients can visit the main office. In addition coffee and lunch time get-togethers are planned and outings arranged.

Chill and Chat is a service for parents who have a child with special needs under the age of 5 and is similar to ‘stay and play’. Support and advice is offered by specialist play workers in a friendly, safe and enabling environment, while children can play and have fun.

Clubs Monday Evening Social ClubA very popular social club, with around 80 members, for adults of all ages

with a learning disability, providing leisure activities such as snooker, darts, sewing, tabletop activities, music and special events such as discos and barn dances. The Monday Club meets every Monday evening except for bank holidays and the summer break.

DiscosThe Croydon Mencap Discos are run approximately once every 2 months, and attract about 80 people with learning disabilities, plus their carers.

Saturday Club – A new Saturday club is currently in the planning stages with a June start date planned. This will cater for up to 18 adults on two Saturdays a month.

For more information on Croydon Mencap and our recent newsletters visit our website: www.croydonmencap.org.uk or contact Sue, our Chair, on 07712 577682 or by email chairperson@croydonmencap.org.uk

Job Description

Croydon Mencap Chief Executive Officer

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The Chief Executive role is to provide leadership, develop new services, seek new funding, manage the day to day running of the organisation, deliver the business plan and ensure financial sustainability.

The CEO will lead and motivate staff effectively, work with the Chair and Board of Trustees, develop relationships with key stakeholders and ensure the views of people with learning disabilities and their families and carers are taken into account when developing services.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB:

Management

To provide effective leadership, professional development, training and management of Croydon Mencap’s staff.

To recruit staff as necessary and to ensure that all HR administration is completed.

To provide effective line management of direct reports effectively through regular supervision meetings, annual job reviews and day to day support as necessary.

To develop the role of volunteers as a valuable resource within Croydon Mencap.

To be responsible, with support from the Finance Officer, for sound financial management.

To be responsible for the development of appropriate systems, structures and policies.

To be responsible for liaising with landlords and for property management.

To ensure appropriate quality standards are in place across the organisation.To submit regular management information reports to enable Trustees to make informed decisions.

Strategic Planning

To work closely with the Chair and the Board to develop and deliver the strategy.

To manage and oversee the implementation of Croydon Mencap’s business plan.

Services

To manage existing services effectively

To lead the development of new services, consulting with people with disabilities and working in partnership with other organisations where appropriate.

To develop effective monitoring and quality assurance systems for services delivered.

Funding

To seek new funding opportunities to enable the development of new services and the sustainability of existing service provision.

To work with the Board of Trustees to ensure that the organisation has sufficient funds for its continued and effective operation and development.

To identify, negotiate and secure contracts, grants and/or other income generation opportunities, so as to ensure the sustainability and success of Croydon Mencap.

Member involvement

To actively develop ways to enable members to have a voice in the development and delivery of services in Croydon Mencap.

Representation

To represent Croydon Mencap at local and national levels, with council groups, health authorities, commissioners, partners, funders, government agencies, charities, donors, the media, the general public and others.

Compliance

To ensure that Croydon Mencap meets all relevant statutory, company, charity and regulatory obligations - including supporting the Board of Trustees and acting as the Company Secretary for Croydon Mencap.

Campaigning

To be a voice for people with learning disabilities in Croydon To campaign for the best possible services for people with learning disabilities, their carers and families.

To work towards increasing opportunities for people with learning disabilities to achieve their potential.

To raise awareness about the issues and needs of people with a learning disability.

Promotion

To promote Croydon Mencap’s role and activities and maintain excellent relationships with stakeholders, and other relevant organisations.

To communicate with members and other interested parties through appropriate media.

Oversee a strategy for increasing the use of social media throughout Croydon Mencap.

Policy and Legislation

To keep the Board and staff updated with current policy and legislation affecting people with a learning disability and their family/carers.

Other Responsibilities

To undertake any other duties required which are consistent with the responsibility of the post including acting as the ‘Out of Hours’ emergency contact for services operational at those times.

Scope of responsibilities:

Services: Responsible for all services - current services include: Leslie Park Day Centre, Carers Welfare & Benefits Advice and Support, Older Carers Assessment and Support, Chill and Chat (Pre-school group for parents and children with disabilities), Social Clubs and Discos.

Properties: Responsible for all properties used by Croydon Mencap’s services, including leases for Portland House, Leslie Park.

Team: Responsible for staff for all services above, along with administration and finance staff. Responsible for volunteers, temporary and agency staff when present.

Terms of Appointment

Reports to: the Chair and Board of Trustees. Salary level: Circa £40,000 to £45,000, negotiable depending on personal experience. Pension Croydon Mencap will provide a contributory pension matching your contribution of up to 6% of your salary.Benefits: Holiday entitlement: 20 days each year, increasing by 1 day a year for 5 years, plus bank holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year. Contract: The position is permanent following the successful completion of the probationary period of 6 months. Hours of work: Full time - 37.5 hrs a week, although the Board of Croydon Mencap is willing to consider flexible working.

Person Specification Chief Executive Officer

Essential Criteria Desirable CriteriaKnowledge A clear understanding of people

with disabilities, the needs of people with disabilities and of the needs of their families and carers.Knowledge of the issues faced by vulnerable people preferably those with learning disabilities in the health and social care sector.

Experience of working with safeguarding procedures for vulnerable adults

Knowledge of the voluntary and statutory sectors with particular reference to people with disabilities.

Experience of working with safeguarding procedures for vulnerable adults

Knowledge of appropriate funding streams for the voluntary sector

Experience Proven leadership qualities

enabling objectives to be achieved.Evidence of successful strategic planning and delivering on achieving organisational vision.

Membership of strategic national, local or professional forums.

Experience of planning and establishing new services successfully

Experience of planning services for people with learning disabilities.

Evidence of sound management abilities gained in the voluntary sector, or other relevant area.At least three years management experience.

At a senior level.

Experience of delivering services for vulnerable people.

Proven ability in supporting vulnerable adults with capacity or intellectual disabilities involving multidisciplinary processes.

Experience of managing budgets.

Proven ability in financial projection planning and linking to business needs.

Experience of successful bidding for funding from a variety of sources.Experience of representing an organisation and championing its purpose in a variety of settings.

Success in developing a positive image of an organisation.

Experience of working with people with disabilities

Experience of working with people with learning disabilities

Experience of working with a Board of trustees and the ability to develop a positive relationship with the Board of Trustees

Skills: Planning and management skillsProven ability to lead, manage and motivate staff and enable staff to develop their skills and work effectivelyProven ability to build partnerships.Ability to contribute to strong

working relationships within a team / organisation.Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proficient IT skills including proven capability at Microsoft Office Products including Word and Excel.Good prioritisation, organisation and time management skills.